DPR Commission X Calls for Open Investigation into Sexual Violence Case at UPN Jogja
The X Commission of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) condemned the alleged sexual violence case occurring within Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta (UPN ‘Veteran’ Yogyakarta). Commission X urged that the investigation be conducted transparently.
‘For us, this issue is in a very worrying condition and should not be treated as normal,’ said Chair of Commission X, Hetifah Sjaifudian, to reporters on Saturday (23 May 2026). Hetifah stressed that handling of the case must not only focus on safeguarding the image of the institution. Instead, it should prioritise protection of the victims and the pursuit of justice.
‘We call on the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) to actively oversee the investigation so that it proceeds openly, objectively, and truly delivers justice for the victims,’ she added.
She also appreciated the campus’s initial step of suspending the accused lecturer(s) temporarily in line with Permendikbudristek No. 55 of 2024 during the examination process. Nevertheless, Hetifah emphasised that the campus must ensure comprehensive support for the victims.
Lalu Hadrian, Deputy Chairman of the X Commission, also expressed concern over the case. He urged the case to be processed transparently. ‘The case should not be resolved internally merely to protect the campus’s good name,’ he said.
The authorities will continue to monitor the case. He also called on the campus’s Satgas PPKS to perform its duties to the maximum so that similar cases do not recur. ‘This case is a serious test of our collective commitment to the world of education. We will continue to monitor the case,’ he remarked. ‘We must ensure there are no power dynamics within the education world that serve as a shield for sexual violence,’ he added.
Earlier, UPN ‘Veteran’ Yogyakarta announced that it was investigating sexual violence allegedly committed by seven lecturers, including one external lecturer. So far, five lecturers have been suspended.
‘We have also re-identified and communicated with the BEM. There are six lecturers under consideration for indications of sexual harassment. There is also one more lecturer,’ said Hendro Widjanarko, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation at UPN ‘Veteran’ Yogyakarta, on campus in Sleman, as reported by detikJogja on Friday (22 May).
Based on preliminary data, three lecturers are from the Faculty of Agriculture, two from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), and one from the Faculty of Mineral Technology and Energy (FTME). One other lecturer is from another university.
Hendro emphasised that the campus would not tolerate any form of sexual violence on campus. During the investigation, the campus has suspended a number of suspected perpetrators from Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi activities.